CHICO — The memory of Ed McLaughlin lived on as nearly 200 cyclists enjoyed a group ride through blossoming almond orchards.

The annual Tour de Ed Bike Ride honored the man responsible for many of Chico’s cycling amenities Sunday by raising proceeds for bicycle safety and advocacy.

“If you ride a bicycle in town, use the bike facilities and enjoy the recreational rides that Chico Velo (Cycling Club) puts on; it’s primarily due to the work of Ed McLaughlin and part of the reason we remember him today,” Steve O’Bryan, longtime Chico Velo Cycling Club member, said.

Chico Velo Cycling Club began the ride in 2008 as a fundraiser for injured cyclists after its founder, McLaughlin, was paralyzed in a bike accident at Bidwell Park.

Now in its 13th year, the seventh year since McLaughlin died, the ride continues to give back to the community.

Funds will be dedicated to teaching safe bicycle riding to students and elders — “getting kids and people on bikes who may have not been otherwise,” the club’s Executive Director John Pearson said.

For Sunday’s ride, cyclists began at the parking lot of the Chico Municipal building with Chico’s Volunteers in Police Service escorting them through downtown and to the city limits.

Participants continued on the route until reaching Durham Elementary School, where they enjoyed food and drinks before heading back to Chico. The route back used the Midway bike path.

“We want to bring all the cycling community together in one place and showcase that,” Pearson said.

First-time participants Stephen and Sarah Bethea decided to join along with their two children attached to their bikes.

The couple recently began trying cycling and welcomed the chance to try a new route.

“It’s pretty cool to see all these people come together to ride,” Sarah Bethea said.

Another first-timer of the event, Ashley Penning has lived in Chico her whole life but only became interested in bicycles a few years back.

She signed up to try out her new gravel bike.

“It’s awesome because when you get a bunch of bikers to travel around town it feels very safe and gets you motivated,” Penning said.